Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Georgia Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1993 17:22:34 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Georgia ============================================================ Georgia - Consular Information Sheet September 24, 1993 Country Description: Georgia is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may occur without warning. Tourist facilities outside of Tbilisi are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required before arrival. Visitors who enter at the Tbilisi airport receive a temporary stamp at passport control and are instructed to obtain a visa from the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visas are usually granted within three days. Fees vary >from $30.00 to $90.00 depending on the duration of the visa. Travelers arriving from and returning to another country of the former Soviet Union are not required to obtain a Georgian visa. Those arriving from the former Soviet Union and departing to countries outside the former Soviet Union must obtain a visa in order to leave. On an exceptional basis, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can assist travelers to obtain visas for Georgia through the checkpoint at Sarpi on the border with Turkey. Areas of Instability: The U.S. Government has prohibited U.S. officials from traveling overland between Georgia and Armenia due to the activity of bandits on the Georgian side of the border. Sporadic violence occurs in the Western Regions of Georgia and South Ossetia. In Abkhazia extensive fighting is occurring. The city of Sukhumi is under Siege and its airport has been shelled. This has resulted in the loss of a number of aircraft, including civilian airliners, and many civilian casualities. The U.S. Government has prohibited any travel to Sukhumi by U.S., officials for the foreseeable future. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Georgia is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Georgia has a high rate of crime; the risk is especially high at night. Outside the capital city of Tblisi, unescorted travel is difficult and dangerous. Police authority in many cities in western and central Georgia has collapsed. Foreigners have been the targets of criminal activity. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Georgia is a cash only economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activities: Some terrorist incidents have occurred in the country in connection with the ongoing internal conflict. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Georgia. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, is located at 25 Atoneli Street; Telephone (7-8832) 98-99-67 or (7-8832) 98-99-68. Telex: 212210 AMEMB SU. No. 93-250 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 17, 1993 to add information on the conflict in Abkhazia and the siege of its capital city, Sukhumi.